i can hardly keep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "i can hardly keep" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to express difficulty in maintaining or controlling something. Example: "I can hardly keep up with the demands of my job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"I can hardly keep my head above water," she says.

The Guardian

As I remember it I can hardly keep still in my seat.

The New York Times - Arts

"It moves so fast I can hardly keep up," he says.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I can hardly keep up with all the patients I have," says Ng. "The number of cases is basically exploding.

Nature

"You don't remember me?" DiDonato, in her Airy Diva voice, responded, "Oh, so many tenors come and go, I can hardly keep track".

The New Yorker

Highlights include Willis telling Edwards – without apparent prompting – that he is not acting right now, but merely "selling" the film ("that fun part happened while we were making the movie"), and responding to a query about his fondness for cars with the line: "I'm thinking about driving right now – I can hardly keep my mind on this interview".

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

And it can hardly keep up with the demand.

The Washington Post

Is it growing so fast that you can hardly keep up with demand, or is it expanding only gradually, giving you and others in the industry plenty of time to plan and reach new customers?

Harvard Business Review

Law enforcement can hardly keep up.

The Washington Post

He can hardly keep the easel steady.

The Guardian - Arts

"We can hardly keep up with what gets dropped off".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "i can hardly keep", ensure the context clearly indicates what you are struggling to maintain or control. For example, "I can hardly keep my eyes open after such a long day" provides clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "i can hardly keep" without specifying the object or action you are struggling with. Vague statements like "I can hardly keep" can leave the reader confused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i can hardly keep" functions as an expression of difficulty or near-inability. It indicates that the speaker is struggling to maintain a certain level or pace. Ludwig examples showcase this use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "i can hardly keep" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that conveys difficulty in maintaining or controlling something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, further supported by real-world examples from diverse sources, primarily News & Media. While phrases like "i can scarcely keep" and "i can barely keep" offer similar meanings, "i can hardly keep" provides a slightly stronger emphasis on the level of difficulty. For optimal clarity, ensure to specify what you are struggling to keep in your sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i can scarcely keep

Uses 'scarcely' instead of 'hardly', indicating a very slight difference in the degree of difficulty.

i can barely keep

Replaces 'hardly' with 'barely', suggesting a minimal level of ability to maintain or control.

i am struggling to keep

Expresses the difficulty as an ongoing struggle, slightly emphasizing the effort involved.

i am finding it hard to keep

Emphasizes the subjective experience of difficulty, making it more personal.

i am having trouble keeping

Indicates a problem or difficulty in maintaining or controlling something.

i am challenged to keep

Replaces 'hardly' with 'challenged', implying a sense of being tested or pushed to one's limits.

it's difficult for me to keep

Shifts the focus to the general difficulty of the situation, rather than personal ability.

i am at my limit trying to keep

Indicates that the speaker has reached the point where they cannot continue.

i am overwhelmed trying to keep

Implicates that the speaker is suffering a lot for the effort of trying to keep.

it is almost impossible for me to keep

Stresses the near impossibility of maintaining or controlling, indicating a stronger degree of difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "i can hardly keep" in a sentence?

You can use "i can hardly keep" to express difficulty in maintaining or controlling something. For example, "I can hardly keep up with all the new information" or "I can hardly keep a straight face when he tells jokes".

What can I say instead of "i can hardly keep"?

You can use alternatives like "i can scarcely keep", "i can barely keep", or "i am struggling to keep depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "i can hardly keep up"?

Yes, "i can hardly keep up" is a common and grammatically correct phrase. It means you are finding it difficult to stay at the same level or pace as something or someone else.

What's the difference between "i can hardly keep" and "i can barely keep"?

Both phrases express difficulty, but "i can hardly keep" suggests a slightly greater degree of difficulty than "i can barely keep". The difference is subtle and often depends on context.